Millions Fooled by Nationwide Broadcast of Martian Attack — Streets Jammed, Towns in Uproar
New York, N.Y. — The nation went “off its rocker” Sunday night as a realistic radio drama sent Americans into a state of pure hysteria. Orson Welles’ CBS broadcast of “The War of the Worlds,” adapted from the H.G. Wells novel, sparked panic across the country when listeners believed that Martians had truly landed in New Jersey.
Police switchboards from coast to coast were jammed with frantic calls. In New York and Newark, thousands of citizens took to the streets, some fleeing their homes, others arming themselves for what they thought was an alien invasion.
CBS executives and the Mercury Theatre have since issued formal apologies, with Welles himself calling the incident “a most regrettable misunderstanding.”
Federal officials are now discussing whether new broadcasting regulations should be enacted to prevent future mass panic.
A Columbia University psychologist told this reporter, “It shows the power of modern media — and the gullibility of the public.”
EUROPE ON EDGE AS HITLER DEMANDS MORE LAND
Germany Eyes Czechoslovakia After Munich Pact
Berlin (AP) — Barely a month after the signing of the Munich Agreement, Europe’s uneasy peace is already fraying. Hitler has declared that the “Sudeten question” is settled — but sources in London and Paris whisper that the Führer now has his eyes on Poland and Hungary.
Prime Minister Chamberlain insists that Britain has secured “peace for our time,” yet military observers fear that the ink on the Munich papers may soon run red with war.
NEW YORKERS RALLY FOR JOBS AS WINTER NEARS
Crowds Swell at WPA Offices; City Braces for Hard Cold Season
New York City — With the chill of November creeping in, thousands of out-of-work New Yorkers are once again lining up at WPA (Works Progress Administration) offices, seeking steady work through the winter. Soup kitchens in the Bowery report record attendance, while Mayor La Guardia pledges continued public works to “keep every able hand busy.”
Construction crews are set to break ground on a new Queens highway, and rumors swirl that federal funds may soon be allocated for an expansion of LaGuardia Airport.
AROUND THE WORLD AND AROUND THE TOWN
Baseball Season Ends: The Yankees celebrate another winning year; fans call it a “swell season” as Joe DiMaggio cements his reputation as the hottest slugger in the majors.
Fashion Beat: Wool suits and cloche hats dominate Fifth Avenue — “smart dames” are pairing earth tones with fox collars this fall.
Science News: Harvard astronomers report new celestial phenomena near the planet Mars, though officials are quick to stress “no connection to Sunday’s broadcast.”
Broadway Buzz: Cole Porter’s Leave It to Me! is drawing full houses; Sophie Tucker’s latest number “You Can’t Deep Freeze Me” has critics raving.
Crime Corner: Mob boss “Dutch” Schultz’s old territory in Harlem reportedly seeing new activity as smaller gangs battle for control.
